“This is a significant step toward achieving our commitment to legislate against coercive control,” Fentiman, who also holds the justice, women, and domestic violence prevention portfolios, said.
“We know how dangerous these behaviours can be. As we pass the terrible anniversary of the murder of Hannah Clarke and her three children, I want her family and friends to know that this will be their legacy.
“This is about identifying and responding to the red flags of coercive control earlier before blue police tape surrounds another family home.”
Coercive control is a form of domestic violence that includes patterns of abuse from one person to dominate and control the other person in the relationship.
The legislation takes a number of steps to strengthen the state’s laws, including broadening the definition of domestic and family violence, and strengthening the consideration of previous criminal behaviour in DV cases.
The inquiry found there were numerous opportunities to help Clarke before she was burned to death in her car while taking her children to school by estranged partner Rowan Baxter in 2020. However, it also found police officers had overall acted appropriately in handling the matter.
Clarke’s parents welcomed the passage of the new legislation.
“It’s important that these behaviours are captured in modern legislation,” Sue and Lloyd Clarke said in a statement.
“We’ve fought for this because we know it will make a difference and it will prevent other families from having to go through an experience like ours.
“We know from experience that the behaviour of perpetrators escalates over time. The Small Steps 4 Hannah Foundation strongly urges people to recognise the red flags in their family members, their friends and even themselves and to seek help.”
National Domestic Violence Service: 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732). If you are in immediate danger call triple zero (000).
